There are lots of things to consider when it comes to choosing the colour of your bathroom. Factors such as the size of your space, the layout, the placement of windows, and the types of fittings and fixtures all play a part, as well as the overall interior style and feel you want to achieve. 

Whether you are trying to create a serene spa-like zone or a vibrant and cheery place to wash and dress, there are so many bathroom colour ideas available.

What’s the best colour to paint a small bathroom?

Small bathrooms are full of charm and character, but it can often come down to the colour of the wall paint to determine how much light and space the room appears to have. 

Choosing a light, neutral, colour for your walls and ceilings can make a big difference if you are wanting to create a sense of more space and openness in a small bathroom. However, if you are wanting to create something more intimate and cosier, then darks and patterns can help achieve this. Let’s explore some of the best colour combinations below…

 

Bathroom paint colour ideas 

Here are some bathroom paint colour ideas to inspire you…

Pink tubs

Bathroom colour doesn’t always have to be determined by the wall paint. In this beautiful bathroom, the crisp white walls are adorned with quirky artwork and accessories to inject personality, while the traditional bathtub has been painted in a cute rose pink shade which gives a calming, whimsical feel.  

Credit: @housemouse_farmhouse

Pink tubs

Sweet Genius

X7R34C

Vibrant yellows

Painting one wall, or one area of a wall, in a bright shade, while keeping the other walls light can create a focal point and add depth to the space without overwhelming it. This bright and cheery yellow shade injects fun and character around the toilet area, while the monochrome accessories keep things chic and modern.

Credit: @rubyreds_semi

Vibrant yellows

Kernel of Truth

L12dW24b

Pops of pattern

Patterned wallpaper is having a real interior trend moment. A great way to incorporate it into your bathroom is by using it to cover the top half of your walls, above contemporary painted wooden panelling. The end look is contemporary, charming, and super-stylish. 

Credit: @popfoxinteriors

Pops of pattern

Bottlenose Dolphin

X100R209B

White on white

A white bathroom creates a clean and bright look, and is perfect for small spaces and minimalist styles. To avoid your bathroom looking too clinical, be sure to explore multiple textures in white shades and perhaps introduce a pattern with a monochrome scheme to give depth and contrast.

White on white

Arctic Fox

L1EW3A

Spa lights

Soft shades of green add a natural and soothing feel to your bathroom interior. Pale green is often used in spas and salons for this reason, and therefore, it’s the perfect colour to opt for if you are looking to create a zen-like area for complete relaxation. In this serene bathroom, the majority of the walls are filled with glossy white tiles to reflect the light, while the top section of the wall and ceiling uses soft green for an injection of warmth and colour into the space. 

Credit: @the_home_kim_built

Spa lights

Snow on the Pines

X143R285E

Monochrome moments

Black is a bold and striking colour that can create a luxurious and sophisticated feel in the bathroom, especially when paired with gold or brass accents. Painting the bottom half of your interior in black and leaving the top half white can create a dramatic visual effect as well as make the ceiling appear higher and brighter.

Credit: @these.four.walls.and.inbetween

Monochrome moments

Nevermore

W36c

Pickle greens

Pickle green paint features warm tones of yellow, which provide light and brightness to a small bathroom. Scalloping the edges of a half-painted wall adds a softer feel compared to straight lines, and pastel-coloured accessories combine with the green shade to create an air of 1950s retro charm.

Credit: @eveshouseofeden

Pickle greens

Fickle Pickle

R240A

Basecoat beiges

Beige is a classic and neutral paint colour that can create a warmer and more inviting feel in the bathroom compared to a white shade. You could opt for a warm beige with pink undertones, like Ziggy, or something with slight yellow hints like Gentle Lamb. Layering a mix of beige tones with gold or brass accessories and wooden flooring and furnishings will help achieve an earthy, antique feel.

Credit: @leanneandthecottage 

Basecoat beiges

Peaceful sea greens

Green bathrooms are inherently comforting and reassuring, and none more so than with a shade that is reminiscent of calm ocean waters. This peaceful sea green shade is extra soothing against the pastel artwork shades and in combination with plenty of natural wood and plant life.

Credit: @caradiseblog

Peaceful sea greens

Pastoral Peace

X124R256C

Sandy peaches and sea blues

While we are on the subject of ocean waters, a warm blue shade can also offer an equally blissful feel. Here, the blue bathroom units combine with the gentle peach hues of the walls, providing a familiar colour palette seen when sand meets water on a beautiful tropical island. 

Credit: @lifewiththekings_

Sandy peaches and sea blues

Tender Romance

X31R55A

Racing greens

Darker shades of green are classic and elegant, especially when paired with crisp white features and brass or gold accents. These dark green shades work well in larger bathrooms and ensuites to create warmth and cosiness in an otherwise open space.

Credit: @yazoofrom62

Racing greens

Devonshire Green

L21cW41c

Olive hues

Olive tones are naturally temperate and balmy, with a strong connection to the Mediterranean climate. This small bathroom remains bright and light thanks to the white upper walls and window, however, the olive paint gives warmth and depth to the space to avoid it feeling cold.

Credit: @bouwenhomes

Olive hues

Rugged Olive

X132R252C

Midnight moon shades

Painting the upper half of your bathroom walls and ceilings in black creates a sense of cosiness and intimacy. It works especially well in bathrooms that have peaked roofs or that are located in loft spaces where the ceiling height is not consistent. Here, the round mirrored light looks moon-like and ethereal against the backdrop of the calm, dark midnight sky behind it.

Credit: @21_holmfield

Midnight moon shades

Naval Night

X97R214A

Warming terracottas

Shades of warm peach and terracotta are toasty and inviting, especially in a bathroom space that can often feel cold and soulless. Natural wood fittings, stone basins, and green accessories all add to the earthy, organic vibe. 

Credit: @jess_a_home

Warming terracottas

Ripe Peach

X50R123E

Gorgeous greiges

Tones of grey mixed with tones of the green combine to offer a lovely delicate shade of greige for a modern, yet tranquil bathroom. Again, greige provides a sense of connection to the earth and nature, especially so when teamed with complimentary shades of stone and green.

Credit: @styling.house.stark

Gorgeous greiges

Greenish Grey

X142R276B

Blooming charcoals

A charcoal bathroom could appear industrial and urban, however, if you team it with the right fixtures and accessories it can also appear traditional and country-esque, such as in this example. The classic bathtub, combined with the herringbone wooden floor and houseplants add comfort and softness against the dark grey walls. 

Credit: @_banks_ave

Blooming charcoals

Hollywood pinks

This small bathroom has real 1950s Hollywood glamour vibes thanks to the combination of soft pink and gold accessories. Soft shades of pink can add a romantic and sophisticated feel to a bathroom, while brighter shades of pink can create more of a bold and playful personality.

Credit: @intothewoodscw

Hollywood pinks

Functional greys

Pale grey is a versatile colour that can create either a modern and sleek look or a soft and calming atmosphere, depending on how you accessorise it. Here, the geometric tiles mixed with black and chrome accessories make things contemporary and modern, while the use of greenery and houseplants soften the otherwise monochrome palette.

Credit: @houseproject_36

Functional greys

Toy Soldier

X98R215C

Glossy finishes

Using a glossy finish on either paint, tiles or flooring can reflect more light into a smaller bathroom and create an illusion of a larger, brighter space. This is true both when using lighter paint shades and darker paint colours too.

Credit: @unfinished_reno14

 Glossy finishes

Wall art and murals

If you are decorating your bathroom on a budget but still want to create an impact, then wall murals and paint patterns are a great way to inject colour and style without needing too much paint. All you need is a great idea, a stencil, and our handy guide on how to paint wall patterns.

Credit: @64nevlane

 Wall art and murals

Downing Street

L17bW36d
Graphic

Finding your dream bathroom paint colour with Valspar

Now that you are inspired by lots of colour ideas for your bathroom, it’s time to choose your favourite one! 


If you already have a shade in mind, we can colour match anything as long as it’s at least 0.5cm in size. Just use our handy photo uploader to simply upload a photo of the item, and we’ll take care of the rest!

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